1. SOURCES OF INFORMATION (Historical/Genealogical Etc)

 

1.1 NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM (PORT Maritime information Gateway)

Developed by the National Maritime Museum "PORT" is an online catalogue of maritime related Internet resources. Every source has been selected and described a librarian or subject specialist. Services and materials developed by the Museum' Centre for Research are also available on this site.

http://www.port.nmm.ac.uk/

 

1.2 THAMES BARGE

An interesting site developed by SSBR member David Renouf. Packed with interesting information about the Thames Sailing Barge.

http://www.thamesbarge.org.uk

 

1.3 THAMES BARGE ART

This site has an interesting array of Thames Barge information as well of details of Barge art for sale.

http://www.thames-barge-art.co.uk

 

1.4 BARGEMEN

This site provides Family history information on the boat and barge workers on the Thames including videos of some of the races.

http://www.bargemen.co.uk

 

1.5 THE MECHANICS OF THE THAMES SAILING BARGE.

This site gives full details of how a barge sails, how the sails are set & furled etc. the functions of the rigging & associated equipment etc.

http://www.ivorbittle.co.uk

 

1.6 WEST MERSEA MUSEUM.

This site lists the barges mentioned in the Merchant Navy Lists for 1916, 1934 & 1938.

http://www.merseamuseum.org.uk/mmbarges.php

 

2. VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS

 

2.1 ASSOCIATION OF MODEL BARGE OWNERS (AMBO)
AMBO aims to foster model barge building, act as a forum for owners exchange of knowledge and information about barges, building techniques  and organise events where members may meet in a friendly and informal atmosphere
Contact Bob Bird, 11, Sprundel Avenue, Canvey Island,
Essex , SS8 7 HD  Phone 01268.695.228
email:  modelbarges@aol.com

 

2.2 BLACKWATER SAILING BARGE MATCH  ASSOCIATION
Organise the Blackwater Match, and an annual fund raising exhibition.  They also screen cinefilm of the matches and  circulate a newsletter.  Chairman Mrs.Jackie Lewis,  
Contact the Hon.Secretary, Mrs.Pat Boss "Crosstrees" The Downs, Maldon,Essex, CM9 7HR. Phone 01621.851147

2.3 CAMBRIA  TRUST
The project to get Cambria back under sail in trading condition has the primary aim to ensure that an example of the Thames Sailing Barge is regularly open to public view and can also be sailed on occasion.  Currently in dry dock at the Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum, Sittingbourne. The Trust is a registered Charity.         
Contact   Basil Brambleby, 32,Pilgrims Way, Cuxton,Kent, ME2`1LG.     Phone 01634.710.721

 

2.4 THE CIRDAN TRUST
The Charitable Trust was formed in 1982 to enable groups of young people from Churches, schools and youth organisations to experience the excitement and adventure of sailing together in large vessels.  Its charter prices are subsidised so that less well of members of our society can take advantage of the Trust's resources.    Funds are raised by donations, sponsorship and letting the vessels for commercial hire particularly for holiday charters. As well as the bowsprit barge XYLONITE the Trust own the converted Baltic trader QUEEN GALADRIEL.  
Contact      The Executive Officer, Nick Back, Fullbridge Wharf, Maldon, CM9 7LE;   Phone  01621.851433

 

2.5 THE DAWN SAILING BARGE TRUST 1999
Formed in 1996 by Gordon Swift, Dick Townsend and Terry Turbin the Trust aquired the Dawn following the closure of the Passmore Edwards Museum and brought her to Maldon for restoration with the aid of grants and lottery funding.
Contact  Roger Elton, 4,Broad Street, Harleston, Norfolk,
IP20`9AZ,  Phone 01379.398.357 http://www.dawntrust.org.uk 

 

2.6 DOLPHIN SAILING BARGE MUSEUM TRUST
The Charitable Trust was formed by members of the Society for Spritsail Barge Research in 1969 as an independent organisation to set up a Museum and manage the former barge repair yard of cement and brick maker Charles Burley as a working yard for  barge owners.  
Dating from the 1880's the yard off Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne, was closed in 1965 and fell derelict.  After considerable repair to the buildings and dredging the inlet, the museum was opened to the Public in 1970.  
The Museum, closed in 2005 following a notice to quit was served by the then owners Supreme Concrete. The artefacts and exhibits have been put into storage until such a time that new premises can be found.
Contact Peter Renton, 131, High Street, Milton Regis, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10`2AR, Phone 01795.421.549
View: http:// www.thamesbarges.org.uk/barges/charter/dolphinyard.html and http:/ www.kent-museums.org.uk/dolphin/home.html. 

 

2.7 EAST COAST SAIL TRUST
The Charitable Trust has been working with children since 1966 and is overseen by its management committee under Chairman of Joe Brannigan.  It¹s object is to maintain THALATTA in first class sea-going order for the benefit of young people from all walks of life.  Members of the crew of the barge undertake routine maintenance to minimise expensive shipyard bills.  The barge operates between Orfordness and the North Foreland from 1st April and 30th September each year and cruises normally last for five days from  Maldon.   Most schools are able to raise the full cost of sailing for a party of 12 youngsters and a teacher or leader but youngsters from deprived back-grounds who need a subsidy can usually be catered for.
For information write to Secretary, Mrs.Gill Woods, Arley Grange, Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EY  Phone 01621.741.820.  To make donations  contact  John Gibbs, "Dunster" Hockley Hill, Weatherinset, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14`5PL.  view http://www.asto.org.uk/eastcoast.htm and http://thallatta.cjb.net

2.8 KENTISH SAIL ASSOCIATION
Organise the Swale Smack and Sailing Barge Match, arrange social evenings for members,  circulate  a news-letter and also raise money to get youngsters afloat.
Contact for Details of the Association, The Membership Secretary,  Lena Reekie,   5, Station Road, Faversham, Kent. Phone  01795.534.212

 

2.9 THAMES SAILING BARGE TRUST
Founded in 1948 as the Thames Barge Club to enable members to sail in vessels from the last British traditional sailing cargo carrying fleet.  It was reformed on the 1st May, 2003 with an object of attaining charitable status and be entitled to seek funds to maintain its barges.

The Trust now owns two spritsail barges, PUDGE (built 1922) and CENTAUR (built 1895) their cargo holds converted into spacious cruising accommodation. and the lighter SAILORMAN berthed at Maldon on which winter work parties are based.  The cost of maintaining the barges is raised through an annual members fee, sailing fees and fund raising activities. 
The Trust organises weekend sailings from ports around the estuary including Maldon, Ipswich, Hoo near Rochester and London. The barges are also available for self catering charters for longer periods. with the Trust providing the Crew. Sailing/Chartering is available to  any member of the public as well as members of the trust. General Enquiries by post to The Hon. Secretary, Thames  Sailing Barge Trust, c/o "Crosstrees" The Downs, Maldon,Essex, CM9 7HR. or view http://www.bargetrust.org.uk     

For details of the TSBT  Magazine "Spritsail" see 'Publications' Page under "Non Society Publications".
 

2.10 THE HUMBER KEEL AND SLOOP PRESERVATION SOCIETY.

The  aim of the society is to introduce you to the river Humber’s uniquely evolved sailing barges, the Humber keel and the Humber sloop. The Society’s has two ships- the keel Comrade,  and the sloop Amy Howson,  that are the focus of our members’ interest and activities.

Humber keels and sloops are part of Britain’s maritime and industrial heritage: As part of the national collection of historic vessels, Comrade and Amy Howson are rare surviving examples of the two types of craft specifically designed and rigged to sail the  canals, rivers and estuarial waters of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire efficiently.

http://www.humberships.org.uk 

 

2.11 SOUTH WEST MARITIME HISTORY SOCIETY

 

Based in South West England, we encourage interest in all aspects of maritime history and promote research in these fields, leading where possible to the publication of the results of such studies.

 

http://www.swmaritime.org.uk/index.php

 

2.12 NORFOLK WHERRY TRUST

 

Dedicated to preserving the Wherry "Albion" since 1949 when the charitable trust to rescue a Norfolk Wherry was formed, a dedicated band of volunteers has kept her in work, either carrying cargo, or latterly, carrying passengers. It is vital that she earns her living as it is the income from chartering, coupled with the generosity of our membership and supporters, which pays for her expensive and never ending upkeep.

 

http:/www.wherryalbion.com

3.1  THE SAILING BARGE ASSOCIATION

The Association was formed to establish a definitive status for the sailing barge fleet for recognition by Government Departments, River, Sports and other similar authorities to promote standards of safety and conduct for the operation of sailing barges, a forum for discussion and consultation on any matter concerned with the ownership and operation of sailing barges.  Membership is open to all sailing barge owners with associate membership for individuals.
Chairman Peter Dodds, "The Iron Wharf", Faversham, Kent, ME13 7BT
Contact    The Secretary,  Frank Morris, PO Box 5191 Bournemouth, BH1 3WZ   http://www.sailingbargeassociation.co.uk  email: sba@ffbs.co.uk. 

3.2 THE ASSOCIATION OF BARGEMEN
The Association was born at a meeting of skippers mates and crew members at Faversham in February, 1981 to further the cause of the sailing barge and the preservation of the knowledge traditions and camaraderie which had grown up over the centuries.  The Association offers help and encouragement to all crew members and mates who wish to progress towards a Masters Ticket which it administers together with the Sailing Barge Association for the Department of Transport.  The Association arranges social meetings and circulates a newsletter.  
Contact c/o David Patient, Fullbridge Wharf, Maldon, Essex.    Tel. 01621.859.690 or  
The Administrative Secretary, Christine Lawrence, 7,Albert Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1HP.  Phone. 01227.265.568


4. COMMERCIAL OPERATORS

4.1 COOKS BARGE YARD (Thames Barge Heritage Centre)

on board S.B. Glenway, the Hythe, Maldon,

Open Good Friday to 30th September. Wednesdays & Sundays11.00 am - 5 pm.

Winter weekends Sunday 12.00 -4 pm.

Admission: Adults £2.50 Children & concessions £1.50

view http: www.cooksbargeyard.co.uk 

5. CHARTER BARGES

5.1 ALICE       For charter sailing contact  Looking Glass Charters

5.2 CABBY  Day sailing from  may  be arranged through Andrea Greig, Marine Events Management at 122 High Street, Maldon, Essex. Telephone 01621.843.222 

 

5.3 EDME Day sailings from Brightlingsea.  For details of all charter trips contact Jane Harman at St Osyth Boatyard on 01255 820005 or 

Email: janeharman@toosey30.freeserve.co.uk  

5.4 GRETA  Day sailings, weekends or week charters & static Functions from Whitstable Harbour. or port of your choice. Contact Steven Norris, Standard Quay, Faversham, Kent, ME13 7BS. Phone   0411.657.919 or 01795.534.541

http://www.thamesbarges.co.uk

5.5 HYDROGEN, THISTLE, REMINDER and REPERTOR, Topsail Charters¹ arrange sailings on the Blackwater, Thames and Orwell. Contact, Stephanie Valentine;  Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9`5HN  Phone  01621.857.567  - http://www.top-sail.co.uk

5.6 IRONSIDES and LADY DAPHNE sailing from London and Cowes, Maldon and other bases. Contact  Mark Tower or Glenn Ridgett of The Gote, Streat, Near Hassocks, East Sussex,  BN6 8RN, Phone 01273.890.328 who also represent Hydrograff (ex Dutch Royal Yacht, 1910); the Grand Turk, and m.y. Bluebird,  http://www.topchart.co.uk

5.7 KITTY   Day Sailing and static charters from Port Solent may be arranged through Caroline Marriott,   S.B.Kitty Ltd.  P.O. Box 37,  Edenbridge,   Kent, TN8 5SJ, Phone .01705.201.236 or  01732.863.339.

5.8 MIROSA  Day sailing and company promotion charters may be arranged through Peter Dodds,  of " The Iron Wharf", Faversham,  Kent,  ME13 7BT. Phone. 01795.537.122   or evenings  01622.859.362

5.9 VICTOR  Chartering in the Solent out of Haslar Marina contact Nick Briggs, The Gote Cottage, Streat, Nr.Hassocks, E.Sussex,  BN6 8RZ.  Phone 01273.891.111

5.10   WYVENHOE  Charisma Consultants Ltd. S.B. Wyvenhoe c/o St.Katharines Haven, 50, St.Katharines Way, London, E1W 1LA  Phone  No. 07802 362973 http://www.wyvenhoe.co.uk   Email: sbwyvenhoe@btinternet.com 

 

Chartering on the East Coast. see Web Site for details. 10% reduction for SSBR Members.. 

 

5.11 Craft in St.Katharines by the Tower may be contacted through the Harbourmasters Office St.Katharines Haven Ltd. 50, St.Katharines Way, London E1 9LB   Phone.  020.7488.0555 ext.5312

5.12 Craft  in West India Docks may be contacted through  British Waterways, Marine Office, West India Dock, 420,Manchester Road, E.14 9ST,    Phone  020.7515.1046